Newcastle move 'a dream' for Blackburn defender Zurab Khizanishvili

18 September 2009 01:16

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The Georgian defender used to fantasise about following in the footsteps of compatriot Temuri Ketsbaia when he used to play for Newcastle and now those ambitions have been realised with his move on loan to Tyneside.

"I remember watching Temuri all of the time for Newcastle and dreaming of playing for such a big club like him," Khizanishvili said. "He was one of the first big names to make it in England and we all supported Newcastle because of that.

Related ArticlesNewcastle sign KhizanishviliChampionship tableDennis Wise: don't blame me for Newcastle slumpTelegraph player raterChampionship fixturesBlackpool 2 Newcastle 1"Temuri is a very good man, a little bit crazy, but a good man who is now one of my best friends. I played with him for the national team and then for a short time at Dundee, he was a great player and a strong character.

"If I can be half as popular as him then I'll be happy. I spoke with him this week; hopefully he will come and watch me play.

"I'm really happy, and looking forward to playing games for Newcastle. Sometimes a dream comes true - Newcastle is a massive club.

"I know they're in the Championship, but it doesn't matter, to be honest. It's a great club, and I'm sure they're going up."

Khizanishvili is hoping to make his debut for Newcastle against Championship strugglers Plymouth at St James' Park this weekend after being allowed to leave Ewood Park in a three-month loan deal by manager Sam Allardyce.

The former Rangers centre-half added: "All players want to play in this kind of stadium, and I hope for the best for myself and my team tomorrow. It' s a great game, and I'm looking forward to it.

"I think I'm too young to sit on the bench â " I'm 27. That's why I decided to move to the club. When Newcastle came it was a really big honour for me.

"It's for the manager to decide whether I play or not - he's the boss. I'm ready, and I can play any time, no problem."

Newcastle caretaker manager Chris Hughton will be banking on Khizanishvili to sore up his defence following the promotion-chasing club's first defeat of the season at Blackpool on Wednesday night as they try to regain pole position from West Bromwich Albion.